Brief: Chamber, Tourism Revelstoke ask provincial government for tourism stimulus package

The Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Revelstoke are requesting the provincial government provide a stimulus package for BC’s tourism industry

In a statement, the Revelstoke Chamber and Tourism Revelstoke said they sent a joint letter to BC Premiere John Horgan on September 14, requesting a stimulus recovery package for the tourism industry. Copies of the letter were also sent to Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Lisa Beare and Columbia-River Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok.

“The letter emphasizes the importance of the tourism industry to Revelstoke’s economy and the effect that COVID-19 measures have had on the tourism industry,” the statement said.

The letter itself notes the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia has requested a $680-million recovery package form the province, which would come from the $1.5 billion the provincial government has committed to COVID-19 related recovery.

“The TIABC’s ask is a drop in the bucket when compared to the dollars that our businesses have contributed over many decades.With targeted investment to help our tourism operators get through the winter and into next spring, our visitor economy will have a chance to rebound,” the letter states.

The letter also speaks to Revelstoke’s resilience as a community, noting the community’s willingness to diversify beyond labour industry jobs such as forestry and railway in order to sustain its economy. “Known to be a forward-thinking community, we recognize that a diversified economy supports a more resilient community and we began to chase and embrace the benefits of tourism,” the letter says, going on to note that at least one in three Revelstoke businesses rely on tourism to make ends meet.

The letter also states domestic travel has not made up the loss of international visitors, with accommodation occupancy in Revelstoke down by more than 45 per cent since March, and revenues down by more than 52 per cent.

“With inbound travel down by 98 per cent and the border closed to non-essential travel for the foreseeable future, the harsh reality is that too many of our businesses are struggling with their year-to-date budgets. […] If tourism and hospitality businesses fail, the consequences will be broadly seen and felt.”